Before Prince became synonymous with purple rain, electrifying performances, and pushing the boundaries of music, he was a prolific songwriter quietly gifting his compositions to other artists. Did you know he penned “Manic Monday,” the catchy new wave hit that propelled The Bangles to international fame? Prince Rogers Nelson, a musical titan of immeasurable talent, wasn’t just a performer; he was a songwriting powerhouse, a veritable hit factory whose creations extended far beyond his own celebrated catalog. His legendary vault, rumored to contain countless unreleased songs, serves as a testament to his relentless creativity. However, many of his compositions found their way into the hands of other musicians, becoming iconic anthems in their own right. This article will delve into some of the most remarkable Prince-penned songs that achieved mainstream success through other artists, revealing the depth, breadth, and sheer brilliance of his songwriting prowess. We’ll explore the stories behind these hits, the artists who brought them to life, and the enduring legacy of Prince’s influence on popular music.
Manic Monday: The Bangles’ Accidental Anthem
The story of “Manic Monday” is perhaps one of the most well-known examples of Prince’s generosity and shrewd business acumen. Penned under the pseudonym “Christopher,” Prince initially intended the song for his own side project, Apollonia Six. However, he ultimately passed the song to The Bangles, an emerging all-female band riding the wave of the new wave music scene. The Bangles, known for their harmonies and catchy melodies, were seeking a breakthrough hit, and Prince recognized their potential.
According to Bangles guitarist and vocalist Susanna Hoffs, the band received a cassette tape with “Manic Monday” already recorded. The recording was basically the version The Bangles recorded, with only Prince’s voice. They immediately loved the song. Its blend of pop sensibilities and relatable lyrics about the drudgery of Mondays resonated deeply with audiences. Released in nineteen eighty-six, “Manic Monday” became The Bangles’ first major hit, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot one hundred chart. The song established the band as a force to be reckoned with in the pop landscape and solidified their place in music history. While Prince never officially released his own full studio version of “Manic Monday”, glimpses have surfaced through bootlegs and live performances, offering a fascinating glimpse into his original vision. His sparse arrangement contrasts with The Bangles’ polished production, highlighting the song’s core melody and lyrical content.
The success of “Manic Monday” demonstrates Prince’s uncanny ability to craft songs that transcend genre and artist, resonating with a wide audience regardless of who performed them. The song’s enduring popularity cements its place as a pop classic and a testament to Prince’s songwriting genius.
Nothing Compares 2 U: A Ballad of Unfathomable Grief
“Nothing Compares 2 U” is arguably the most emotionally charged song Prince ever wrote and is forever associated with Sinéad O’Connor. The song originally appeared on The Family’s only album in nineteen eighty-five, a project Prince conceived as a vehicle for his protégé, Paul Peterson. While The Family’s version is a respectable rendition, it largely remained unknown until O’Connor’s heartbreaking performance catapulted the song to international superstardom.
Sinéad O’Connor’s rendition is raw, vulnerable, and utterly captivating. Her shaved head and piercing gaze in the music video only amplified the song’s message of profound loss and longing. O’Connor’s interpretation stripped away any artifice, leaving only the bare essence of the song’s emotional core. Her performance was not just a cover; it was a complete reimagining that resonated with millions who had experienced similar heartbreak. Released in nineteen ninety, “Nothing Compares 2 U” became a global phenomenon, topping charts around the world. The song propelled O’Connor to international stardom and cemented her place as one of the most iconic voices of her generation. The music video was omnipresent on MTV and similar music video stations.
Prince, initially, was ambivalent towards O’Connor’s version, perhaps feeling possessive of his creation. Later in his career, Prince would reclaim the song as his own, performing it live with various artists and eventually releasing a studio recording. His version, while undeniably powerful, carries a different weight than O’Connor’s. It’s the perspective of a seasoned musician reflecting on a past love, whereas O’Connor’s version felt like a visceral, immediate expression of grief. The song’s success, driven by O’Connor’s emotional delivery, solidified Prince’s reputation as a songwriter capable of crafting timeless ballads that transcend genre and generation.
Stand Back: Stevie Nicks and the Purple Inspiration
“Stand Back,” a rock anthem from Stevie Nicks’ nineteen eighty-one solo album *The Wild Heart*, has a fascinating connection to Prince. Nicks wrote the lyrics after listening to Prince’s “Little Red Corvette” while driving. Captivated by the song’s energy and rhythm, she envisioned the lyrics for “Stand Back.” While Nicks is credited as the sole lyricist, she has openly acknowledged Prince’s significant contribution to the song’s music.
After listening to Prince’s song, Nicks drove home and immediately wrote what is now known as “Stand Back.” After recording a rough track, she then called Prince and asked him to come by and play keyboard on the track. He was only there for a few hours, but the song was greatly improved with his playing.
“Stand Back” became a major hit for Nicks, reaching number five on the Billboard Hot one hundred. The song’s driving beat and Nicks’ signature vocals made it a staple on rock radio. While Prince’s involvement was not widely publicized at the time, Nicks has consistently acknowledged his influence on the song, cementing his reputation as a musical muse and collaborator. The song is a perfect example of how Prince’s musical energy and influence seeped into the work of other artists, even when he wasn’t explicitly credited as a writer.
Sugar Walls: Sheena Easton’s Controversial Hit
“Sugar Walls,” performed by Sheena Easton, is a prime example of Prince’s songwriting versatility and his willingness to explore more sexually suggestive themes. Released in nineteen eighty-four, the song became a moderate hit for Easton, reaching the top twenty on the Billboard Hot one hundred. However, the song also generated controversy due to its suggestive lyrics, which were interpreted by some as sexually explicit.
The controversy surrounding “Sugar Walls” brought attention to both Easton and Prince, further solidifying their place in the cultural zeitgeist. While the song may not be as widely remembered as some of Prince’s other compositions, it remains a testament to his willingness to push boundaries and explore complex themes in his songwriting. Easton’s performance is also notable as one of the more successful song’s she has recorded.
I Feel For You: Chaka Khan’s Funk Anthem
“I Feel For You” is a classic example of Prince’s ability to write songs that can be interpreted and transformed across genres. Originally appearing on Prince’s self-titled nineteen seventy-nine album, the song remained relatively obscure until Chaka Khan unleashed her electrifying, funk-infused version in nineteen eighty-four.
Khan’s rendition of “I Feel For You” completely reinvented the song, transforming it into a vibrant and unforgettable anthem. The song’s iconic harmonica riff, performed by Stevie Wonder, and Melle Mel’s rap verse added layers of funk and soul that catapulted the song to the top of the charts. Khan’s version became a massive hit, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot one hundred and winning her a Grammy Award. The song’s success solidified Khan’s status as a funk icon and introduced Prince’s songwriting to a wider audience.
Prince himself acknowledged Khan’s version as the definitive rendition of “I Feel For You,” appreciating her innovative interpretation and the energy she brought to the song. The success of “I Feel For You” demonstrates Prince’s ability to write songs that are not only catchy but also adaptable, allowing other artists to bring their unique style and perspective to his compositions.
Jungle Love: Morris Day and The Time’s signature hit
“Jungle Love” is the signature song of the band The Time. Morris Day fronted the band who were the rivals in the movie *Purple Rain*. The song appeared on the bands’ nineteen eighty four album *Ice Cream Castle*, and was a top twenty hit for the band. The song featured a call and response between Day and Jerome Benton, Day’s sidekick.
Prince would sing backing vocals on the recording. While The Time were always known to be a backing band for Prince, they developed a good reputation for their music. Prince wrote and produced all of their music and provided backing vocals throughout their discography. He let them use their own creative touch on each of their albums.
Themes and Analysis
One cannot help but wonder about Prince’s motives for giving away these songs. Was it purely business, a way to earn royalties and publishing revenue? Or was it an act of artistic generosity, a desire to see his creations brought to life by other talented musicians? The answer likely lies somewhere in between. Prince was a savvy businessman who understood the value of his songwriting catalog. Licensing his songs to other artists provided a steady stream of income and expanded his reach to new audiences.
However, Prince was also a fiercely independent artist who valued creative freedom. Perhaps he saw these collaborations as opportunities to experiment with different genres and styles, knowing that his songs would be interpreted in unique and unexpected ways. Regardless of his specific motivations, Prince’s willingness to share his songwriting talents had a profound impact on the careers of other artists and the landscape of popular music.
Conclusion
The stories behind these Prince-penned hits reveal a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a musical genius. Prince was not just a performer; he was a master songwriter whose compositions resonated with audiences across genres and generations. From the pop sensibilities of “Manic Monday” to the raw emotion of “Nothing Compares 2 U,” Prince’s songs have left an indelible mark on popular culture. His ability to craft catchy melodies, write insightful lyrics, and inspire other artists is a testament to his enduring legacy. As we continue to explore Prince’s vast musical vault, we are sure to uncover even more hidden gems and rediscover the brilliance of his songwriting prowess. Discovering the musical genius that is Prince, is a trip worth taking. The music is all there and waiting to be heard.
